Can I succeed in linguistics if I did not study it at school?
Yes. You can succeed in linguistics without having studied it at school. University courses may introduce core areas such as language structure, sound systems, meaning, and language in society from the beginning. Curiosity, analytical thinking, careful reading, and willingness to practise can be more important than prior subject study. Check the entry requirements and course description for the programme you are considering.
Key points
- Relevant preparation can include English or another language, mathematics, computing, psychology, philosophy, or social sciences, depending on the course.
- Linguistics may involve analysing data, learning technical terminology, and developing research and writing skills.
- Introductory support and the amount of assumed knowledge can differ between programmes.
Things to check
- Admission requirements vary by university, country, and programme, so confirm them in the official information for the relevant course.